Jobs and Growth

Graham P Jones Excerpts

Thursday 17th May 2012 Commons Chamber

[Ed Balls]

Of course I welcome the improvements that we have seen in manufacturing, and I think we could have a cross-party consensus that the previous Government’s decision to set up the Automotive Council and provide long-term strategic leadership has made a huge difference to the prospects for car investment in our country. Nissan; Rover—we made great progress. That progress is being continued, and we should all welcome that. However, I have to say, for all the complacency that we just heard in that intervention, is it any wonder that business organisations—[Interruption.] Government Members should listen.

[Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab)]

Would my right hon. Friend include the car scrappage scheme as well?

[Ed Balls]

The car scrappage scheme, the cut in VAT and the action to support Northern Rock and RBS were important decisions that stopped our economy going into depression. They were all opposed by the Conservatives. That is the reality.